Groundwater levels are ahead of 2027 interim milestones, with nearly all monitored West Turlock levels above minimum thresholds. The draft GSP periodic evaluation and revised plan are open for comment through November 20. The GSAs have designed a fixed water-quality monitoring network, with sampling planned to begin in 2027: annually for nitrate and every three years for most other constituents.
EKI is screening member-agency projects for a potential joint Proposition 4 groundwater grant application capped at $15 million; concept proposals are expected to open in February 2027. No project bundle or funding request was approved. Member agencies should share candidate projects with EKI soon. Public comments on the amended Groundwater Sustainability Plan and Periodic Evaluation close November 20; both GSA boards plan to consider adoption in January 2027.
The board approved a new groundwater quality monitoring network covering three aquifers and testing for constituents including nitrate, arsenic, and uranium, at a cost of roughly $17,000 every three years. Subsidence criteria were also approved, limiting ground elevation changes near critical infrastructure to six inches over 20 years (2022–2042), using satellite data rather than groundwater levels as a proxy. Staff reported that GSP updates will be released for public review in October 2026.
EKI presented proposed subsidence SMCs using observed subsidence (0.5 ft near critical infrastructure; 1 ft elsewhere, relative to Jan 2022) rather than groundwater level proxies. EKI also outlined an approach to request time through 2030 for depletion-based ISW criteria, subject to funding. DWR engagement remains positive, with spring 2026 water levels showing continued improvement.
Consultants presented a proposed subsidence approach using land-sinking rates rather than groundwater level thresholds; they plan to discuss a final Sustainable Management Criteria and revised undesirable results definition in May. Well impact and GDE analyses were presented to address DWR corrective actions. The TACs approved minutes, ratified letters of support, approved Optional Task Order 8 ($50,400), and voted to recommend the FY26–27 budget for Board review.
